Adaptation worldwide

Climate change adaptation is different for each business.

For example, business location is important – each country, region or even community has its particular weather and climate, regulations, capacities and other characteristics. Because of their geographical location and weak infrastructure, developing countries and emerging economies are most affected by climate change. Therefore, this website presents examples of climate change phenomena in different countries and answers the question “What does that mean for the economy and my business?”.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh is severely threatened by climate change. Climate phenomena, such as tropical cyclones, river erosion, flood, landslides and drought, are set to become stronger and occur more often in the future. Rising sea levels will inundate Bangladesh’s coast, thus destroying land and homes. These and many other negative effects of climate change will have profound repercussions for the economy and development of the country.

Central America

Central America's location between two oceanic systems, the Pacific and the Atlantic, only aggravates it’s historical socio-economic vulnerabilities. -. The region is gravely affected by droughts, cyclones and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon. Given that economic activities such as agriculture are especially climate-dependent, climate change will increasingly have a bearing on the region's economies throughout the current century.

Costa Rica

Even though Costa Rica constitutes only a tiny fraction of the total Earth surface, its habitats are home to around 4% of the planet’s biodiversity with more than 95.000 species (Sinac 2014). Its natural ecosystems, and with it the Costa Rican people and economy, are projected to be strongly affected by climate change.

India

India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world. The country’s high vulnerability and exposure to climate change will slow its economic growth and development, make poverty reduction more difficult and erode food security and human health. It is already one of the most disaster-prone nations in the world and many of its 1.2 billion people live in areas vulnerable to hazards such as floods, cyclones and droughts.

Morocco

The major impacts of climate change in Morocco will be higher temperatures, reduced rainfall and an increase in the severity of extreme weather events. The Moroccan population has more than tripled over the past 50 years, putting the country’s natural resources under pressure. Vulnerability is increased by the fact that Morocco’s economic activity is strongly concentrated along the coast with over 80% of its urban population living in these coastal zones.

Rwanda

Rwanda is highly dependent on natural resources and agricultural growth is critical for pro-poor growth. The country has already been witnessing a rise in temperature and a further increase of up to 2°C is expected by 2030. Rainfall is also likely to rise, causing more floods, crop losses and a reduction in fertile land, which will undermine agricultural practices.